Free Daily Podcast Summary
Professor Gerdes Explains: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Professor Gerdes
I reviewed 5 days of economic news in Russia. It is a dumpster fire. ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: *****Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplainsBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdesPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdesYouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukrainehttps://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: *****🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperienceAmazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE
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- Today16 min
2 More Refineries Hit (Just Before Zelensky Meets with Trump)
Ukraine is hitting Russian oil refineries as Zelensky prepares to meet Trump—and I explain why those strikes are a bargaining chip Ukraine cannot afford to surrender without something in return. I examine Ukraine’s reported strikes on the Kuibyshev and Ufa refineries, reports that Moscow’s refinery has halted crude processing after an earlier attack, and Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia’s drone infrastructure. The strategic question is straightforward: why should Ukraine stop hitting Russian refineries while Russia continues attacking Ukraine’s electricity and energy supplies? I also cover Russia’s overnight attacks, the reported destruction of a Ukrainian oil and gas facility, power outages ahead of winter, and the latest battlefield developments. I distinguish reported damage from uncertain estimates—including the claim about how much Russian refining capacity is offline. Finally, I discuss drone warfare, an unconfirmed report of strikes on Russian FSB sites, and the former Russian mayor whose journey from a bribery conviction to the battlefield offers a grim illustration of this war. My argument: any agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure must protect Ukraine’s energy system too. Pressure on Zelensky alone will not accomplish that. Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. CHAPTERS 0:00 Trump, Zelensky, and Ukraine’s Refinery Leverage 0:37 Overnight Ukrainian Strikes Inside Russia 0:55 Kuibyshev and Ufa Refineries Reportedly Hit 3:08 Russian Drone Sites and Air Defenses Targeted 4:12 Moscow Refinery Shutdown and Russia’s Fuel Problems 5:37 Russia’s Overnight Attacks on Ukraine 6:04 Ukrainian Oil and Gas Facility Devastated 6:45 Civilian Damage and Power Outages 7:52 Why an Energy Truce Must Protect Ukraine 8:35 Battlefield Update and Reported Russian Losses 9:45 Where Russia’s Autumn Offensive Could Develop 10:27 Drone Warfare and Strikes on Russian Logistics 11:31 Unconfirmed Reports of Strikes on FSB Sites 12:07 Convicted Russian Ex-Mayor Reportedly Killed in Ukraine 13:07 Viewer Comments: Trump, the AfD, and Operation Vivaldi 14:44 What Can the Trump–Zelensky Meeting Achieve? 15:08 Supporting Ukraine and a Historical Reminder #Ukraine #Russia #Zelensky #Trump #UkraineWar Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_medium=direct&utm
- Today20 min
Putin Won Big. Germany’s Center Lost. Ukraine Will Feel Both.
I examine two election results that could sharpen the strategic pressure on Ukraine: AfD’s 38.3% result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Friedrich Merz’s CDU fell below the 5% parliamentary threshold, and United Russia’s new constitutional majority in the Duma. AfD leaders have said they would end support for Ukraine, restore relations with Moscow, and resume Russian gas purchases—making Germany’s political instability a major test for European cohesion. I also look at Ukraine’s effort to build fuel storage in Hungary amid fears of winter strikes, plus the claimed 416 km/h Zorylet V5 interceptor drone. On the Russian side, I assess plans to expand carbon-fiber capacity that could support 28,000 additional Shahed-136-type airframes annually, alongside reported Dan-T missile production targets. The central question is whether Europe can sustain support for Ukraine while Russia further consolidates political power and military-industrial capacity. 00:00 Why Germany and Russia’s Elections Matter for Ukraine 03:04 AfD’s Mecklenburg Win and CDU’s Parliamentary Defeat 06:33 East Germany, Economic Frustration, and Political Extremes 09:14 Immigration, the Political Center, and Ukraine Support 11:55 Merz’s Leadership and Europe’s Security Stakes 14:28 Russia’s Shahed and Missile Production Plans 18:07 What These Results Mean for Ukraine #Ukraine #GermanyElection #AfD #Russia #Putin #FriedrichMerz Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineRespon
- Yesterday16 min
The Ingenious Way Ukraine Caught Russia Completely Off Guard
I examine Operation Vivaldi, the Ukrainian 3rd Army Corps campaign north of Liman, where the corps says it retook 40 square kilometers in its second phase and liberated Shandrohovo, Derilov, and Drobyshev. I compare those claims with Russian statements, Russian milblogger reporting, geolocated footage, DeepState mapping, and ISW’s assessment that Moscow portrayed the battlefield inaccurately. The most consequential reported tactic was heavy multirotor “Baba Yaga” drones delivering kamikaze unmanned ground vehicles more than 10 kilometers behind Russian lines. I trace how UGVs moving ahead of infantry, electronic warfare suppressing Russian reconnaissance, artillery, and strikes on command posts, logistics, and reserves may have enabled a flanking maneuver. The stakes extend beyond Liman: pressure on the 1st Guards Tank Army, 20th Combined Arms Army, and 25th Combined Arms Army could complicate Russia’s anticipated autumn approach to Donetsk. 00:00 Operation Vivaldi and the Liman salient 02:22 Ukraine’s territorial gains in Vivaldi’s second phase 04:07 The 3rd Army Corps and Russian force losses 07:06 Command initiative, infantry, and combined arms 10:00 Strikes on Russian logistics and rear areas 12:14 What Liman means for Russia’s Donbas offensive 14:42 Project Constantine and support for Ukraine #UkraineWar #OperationVivaldi #Liman #DroneWarfare #RussianInvasion #Donbas Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_med
- Yesterday17 min
Relentless Pressure on Russia
I examine Ukraine’s reported long-range strikes on Ufa in Bashkortostan, roughly 1,600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, and why the Rosneft refining cluster matters. With combined crude-processing capacity exceeding 23 million tons annually, Ufa produces motor fuels, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products. I also track reported strikes on bridges near Polohy, a Kasta 2E2 low-altitude radar station, and a UAV command post—targets tied directly to Russian logistics, air defense, and force movement. I then assess the political dimension of the reported mass drone attack during Russia’s elections. Moscow’s airports reportedly closed, hundreds of flights were canceled, mobile networks were disrupted, and claims emerged that air-raid warnings were suppressed. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed 1,951 Ukrainian drones and eight missiles; I explain why that figure warrants caution. Meanwhile, Russian strikes damaged civilian sites in Zaporizhzhia and hit locations across Ukraine. The contest is not only over infrastructure, but over Putin’s promise that the war can remain distant from Russian society. 00:00 Overnight Strikes and the Ufa Refinery 02:01 Polohy Bridges, Kasta Radar, and UAV Command Post 03:41 Ukraine’s Long-Range Campaign Objectives 05:45 Russia’s Extraordinary Drone Claims 07:14 Election-Day Disruptions and Suppressed Warnings 09:06 Anti-Drone Defenses Around Oil Facilities 13:30 Battlefield Pressure and Key Fronts 15:13 Mobilization Fears and Russia’s War Economy #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraineWar #UfaRefinery #MoscowAirDefense #RussianOil #Zaporizhzhia Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=m_YUKR-22L3&utm_content=Ukraine-Response-Redirect%20%20 🇺🇦 If you wish to support the Ukrainian Army, give directly to United 24. Follow this link: https://u24.gov.ua/ ***BUY SOMETHING TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE *** 🇺🇦 If you purchase from Saint Javelin with my link below, a cut of the proceeds will go directly to humanitarian aid for soldiers (bandages, tourniquets, etc.). I don't get the revenue. It goes to buy medical supplies from UnitewithUkraine.com. Use this link: https://www.sai
- 2 days ago14 min
Putin Just Started Seizing What He Needs to Keep the War Going
I examine the economic stresses surrounding Russia’s September 2026 Duma election and what Putin may do after securing the mandate he seeks. Reports this week pointed to fuel queues, the release of gasoline reserves ahead of voting, corporate-bond defaults reportedly up 63% year over year, and a 12% decline in Russian travel-agency demand. I also look at the agricultural dislocation: sunflower prices have fallen amid a 50% export duty, while industry sources describe wheat exports as down at least 60%. The government’s proposed purchase of 3 million tons of grain is far below the 10 million tons analysts say may be needed in the south. Finally, I assess the reported transfer of Nestlé, Auchan, and other foreign subsidiaries to Lev Management, Aeroflot’s MC-21 delivery promises, and the pressure that economic hardship may place on recruitment and future Kremlin choices—from further seizures to mobilization or hybrid coercion. 00:00 Duma Election and Putin’s Post-Vote Choices 01:17 Fuel Queues and Election Optics 04:20 Financial-Market Strain and Gasoline Reserves 05:42 Marketplace Seller Losses and Grain Support 07:27 Wheat Export Collapse and Farm Pressure 08:51 Nestlé and Auchan Asset Seizures 10:23 MC-21 Promises and Wartime Recruitment 13:04 What Comes After the Election? #RussiaUkraineWar #Putin #RussianEconomy #DumaElection #Mobilization Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_medium=direct&utm_cam
- 2 days ago19 min
Putin’s Election Ends With a Retreat He Can’t Admit
I examine Ukraine’s reported Operation Vivaldi, including claims by the Third Army Corps that Shandrohovo and Derilov were liberated and Drobyshev is under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian and Russian military-blogger reporting points to pressure on the Russian salient along the Lomon axis, with potentially serious implications for Russian positions around Yampol, Kupyansk, and Moscow’s repeatedly delayed objective of taking the Donbas. I also assess the larger strategic tension: Zelensky’s approval of expanded long-range operations, Poland’s warning that inadequate Ukrainian air defense leaves Russian drones able to reach its border, and Denmark’s new $275 million military aid package. As Putin casts Russia’s parliamentary election as a referendum on the war, I look at the gap between Kremlin messaging, reported battlefield reverses, expanding Russian weapons production, and questions over whether mobilization follows the vote. 00:00 Operation Vivaldi and Russian battlefield setbacks 02:53 Mapping Ukrainian gains on the Lomon axis 07:15 Europe’s political divide over Russia and NATO 08:59 Russian drones, Poland, and NATO air defense 13:03 Putin’s election messaging and the Ukraine war 14:48 Russian weapons production and mobilization questions 17:20 Trump, the GOP, and U.S. political consequences 19:45 After the election: mobilization and Putin’s next move #UkraineRussiaWar #OperationVivaldi #Donbas #NATO #Deterrence Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?
- 2 days ago17 min
PUTIN EMBARRASSED BY HUGE UKRAINIAN STRIKE ON ELECTION DAY
I examine the reported large-scale Ukrainian strike on Moscow and the gap between the scale of the attack and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s claim that more than 1,600 UAVs were repelled. Monitoring sources estimated roughly 400 Ukrainian drones, while footage and reports indicated fires at the Moscow oil refinery and major damage at the Sofino logistics complex. The refinery reportedly processes about 11 million tons annually and supplies a significant share of Moscow’s fuel market. I also assess the strategic purpose of a multi-layered operation reportedly involving FP-1, RZ-100, Lyutyi, Flamingo, and other systems. Beyond the refinery, the attack disrupted roughly 400 flights and coincided with reported strikes on a Buk-M3 system, a Nebo-U radar, UAV production, and command targets. The central issue is whether Russia’s dense defenses around its capital can reliably protect critical infrastructure—and what political or military response Putin may choose after election day. 00:00 Reported Large-Scale Strike on Moscow 03:04 Moscow Oil Refinery Fire 05:26 Sofino Logistics Complex and Airport Disruption 07:55 Other Reported Russian Military Targets 09:58 Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Civilians 12:01 Battlefield Losses and Air Defense Picture 14:16 What the Moscow Strike Means for Putin 16:40 Putin’s Potential Post-Election Response #UkraineRussiaWar #MoscowRefinery #RussianAirDefense #Putin #UkraineDroneStrike #Deterrence Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-resp
- 2 days ago15 min
Republicans Were Already Nervous—Now It’s Getting Worse
I examine why Republicans could face severe pressure heading into the November 3, 2026 midterms while holding the White House and both chambers of Congress. The numbers voters see every day are stark: average gas prices are cited at $4.47 per gallon, up from $3.19 a year earlier, while ground beef reached $7.16 per pound in August—7.9% above 2025. I discuss the argument that the Iran war’s energy effects and Trump’s tariffs are turning kitchen-table costs into a political liability. I also assess reports that U.S. intelligence has identified a Russian online campaign aimed at undermining confidence in the election, Trump’s stated plan to bar CNN, Politico, and MS Now from White House access, and the controversy over Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding events. Finally, I look at a closely contested Kansas Senate race, Ken Paxton’s 63–36 defeat of John Cornyn in Texas, and Putin and Dmitry Peskov’s latest public claims. 00:00 Why Republicans Face Midterm Pressure 01:43 Gas, Ground Beef, Tariffs and Iran 03:23 Trump Approval Claims vs. Economic Fundamentals 04:47 Don Jr. Wedding Controversy 08:08 Russia’s Reported Election Influence Campaign 09:40 Kansas, Texas and Republican Electoral Risks 12:01 Source Triangulation and Ukraine’s Military Adaptation 14:01 Putin and Peskov’s Latest Claims #USMidterms #RepublicanParty #IranWar #Russia #ElectionSecurity #KenPaxton Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship. Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: ***** Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership 🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: ***** 🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address) https://a.co/iodWsUK Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/... Direct Link for Financial Giving via our 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible in the USA https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html Link for Greg's 501(c)(3) EIN Information https://www.gregterry.org/donate.html 🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse: <a href='https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_medium=direct&am
About Professor Gerdes Explains
I reviewed 5 days of economic news in Russia. It is a dumpster fire. ***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: *****Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplainsBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdesPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdesYouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukrainehttps://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ *****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: *****🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperienceAmazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE
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